Concept and Method

The procedure of course evaluation at the mdw is based on subject-specific international evaluation standards while taking into account the specific characteristics of a university of music and performing arts.

It is not regarded as a completed, fixed project, but rather as an adaptive process. Therefore, all steps are continuously reviewed and, if necessary, adjusted. The basis for this is the experience of all those involved, which is incorporated into the so-called meta-evaluation.

For example, course evaluation was initially conducted using paper questionnaires and is now carried out exclusively online. Increasingly, more emphasis has been placed on the active involvement of all participants, the promotion of exchange, and greater transparency in order to optimize the quality and usefulness of course evaluation.

The evaluation is carried out comprehensively using a questionnaire method. Different types of questionnaires are used depending on the type of course, in order to reflect the various course formats as well as the specific artistic forms of teaching at a university of music.

The assurance of anonymity for participating students is a central concern of the Quality Management Unit. This is ensured by the implementation method, the linguistic neutralization of answers to open-ended questions (grammar/orthography), and a minimum response rate defined for reporting.

Since the current cycle (4), teachers have been asked, after receiving the evaluation report, to provide students with a statement on how the feedback will be addressed.

Detailed information on the procedure can be found in the course evaluation manual as well as in the FAQs for students and teachers.

Alternative Forms of Course Evaluation

With regard to methodology as well, openness and continuous development represent guiding principles.

Therefore, an additional option is offered to evaluate individual courses using an alternative method. In this case, teachers can collect student feedback on their course through a feedback discussion. Participation in this option is voluntary and, depending on the resources available in the Quality Management Unit, possible within the framework of regular course evaluation. Further information can be found here.